Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has announced plans to extend solar mini-grid projects to 62 additional communities across the state to improve electricity access, stimulate economic growth and promote rural development.
The governor made the announcement during the groundbreaking ceremonies for four-megawatt solar mini-grid projects in Kaltungo and Kumo, adding that similar projects would be established in Dukku and Bajoga.
The projects are designed to provide reliable electricity to households, businesses, healthcare facilities, agribusinesses and other public institutions in underserved communities.
Speaking in Kaltungo, Inuwa Yahaya commended President Bola Tinubu for approving major development projects in Gombe State, describing the federal interventions as complementary to his administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and living conditions.
He said the solar mini-grid project would create opportunities for businesses, support economic activities and improve the delivery of essential services in the area.
The governor also expressed appreciation to Tinubu for approving a specialised research and treatment centre for snakebite victims in Kaltungo, noting that the facility would address a longstanding healthcare challenge affecting communities in the area and the wider North-East.
He further commended the President for approving the establishment of a military battalion in the area, saying improved security was necessary to protect lives and property and sustain economic development.
“Mr President has done so many things for us in Gombe State, for which we remain deeply grateful,” the governor said.
At the groundbreaking ceremony in Kumo, the governor described the project as a significant investment in Akko Local Government Area and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government on development initiatives.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, said the projects in Kaltungo, Kumo, Dukku and Bajoga were among the interventions approved by the Tinubu administration to expand electricity access in underserved communities.
Tegbe commended the people of Gombe State for their support for the Federal Government and praised the governor for his cooperation in implementing development programmes.
He disclosed that residents of Talasse in Balanga Local Government Area were already enjoying round-the-clock electricity following the commissioning of a similar solar mini-grid facility.
The minister assured residents of the four beneficiary communities that they would begin enjoying 24-hour electricity within six months.
“This is another promise the President made, and we are going to keep that promise. Four megawatts of solar-powered electricity will be delivered to the Kumo community.
“Within a maximum of six months, you will begin to enjoy 24-hour electricity, as residents of Talasse are already experiencing,” he said.
The minister also acknowledged the contributions of the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, to the implementation of the projects.
The member representing Akko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Usman Bello Kumo, commended the federal and state governments for bringing development projects closer to rural communities.
He described the solar mini-grid initiative, alongside the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Kumo, as important investments in the welfare of residents and the development of Akko and Gombe State.
The Mai of Kaltungo, Sale Muhammad, welcomed the project, expressing optimism that the facility would support households, businesses and industrial activities.
Similarly, the Lamido of Akko, Umar Muhammad Atiku, assured the project implementation team of the community’s cooperation to ensure the timely and smooth completion of the facility.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, also assured residents of the agency’s commitment to delivering the projects within the stipulated timeframe.
The planned expansion to 62 additional communities, alongside the projects in Kaltungo, Kumo, Dukku and Bajoga, is expected to strengthen Gombe State’s renewable energy infrastructure, improve access to electricity and create opportunities for rural enterprises.